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Why does Parshas Vaeira repeat so much from Parshas Shemos—the mission to Pharaoh, Moshe's objections, even Aharon's role? The shift is fundamental: last week Moshe was merely Hashem (ה׳)'s ambassador requesting a favor; this week Israel emerges as a nation with rights, Moshe becomes their king, and Pharaoh is commanded to submit to their authority. The ten plagues aren't just pressure—they're a legal battle over allegiance and sovereignty.
The shiur addresses a fundamental question about the opening of Parshas Vaeira: why does it repeat so much material from the end of Parshas Shemos? Hashem (ה׳)'s reassurances about taking Israel to Eretz Yisrael, Moshe's speech impediment argument, Aharon's appointment as spokesman, the genealogy, and even the first encounter with Pharaoh demanding signs—all seem to be rehashed unnecessarily. If these matters were already settled last week, why revisit them now? Rabbi Zweig begins by analyzing Moshe's concern in Parshas Shemos that his older brother Aharon would be jealous if Moshe receives the position of prophet. The key insight: Moshe could only suspect Aharon of jealousy if Moshe himself would be jealous in the same situation. Yet Moshe is the greatest baal middos, possessing the crown trait of anavah. How could he be jealous? The Rambam (רמב"ם) in Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah explains that a prophet requires not just wisdom but also being a gibor (having complete control over character) and being an ashir. The Kesef Mishna distinguishes between occasional prophecy (requiring only wisdom and character control) and regular, ongoing prophecy (requiring also wealth and physical strength). The difference is that ongoing prophecy constitutes a position—an ambassadorship—not just an occasional agency.
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Parshas Vaeira
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What is the primary purpose of the cities of refuge - protecting the accidental killer or something else? The shiur argues that creating respect for law takes precedence over providing sanctuary. True deterrence comes from recognizing the gravity of murder itself, not fear of punishment.
